Simple Majority Fact Sheet (EHJR 4204 on ballot November 6)

Simple Majority Fact Sheet (EHJR 4204 on ballot November 6)

Questions & Answers  EHJR 4204

How does Washingtons current school levy system work? Currently, local school levies must receive both a 60% supermajority approval and meet the 40% validation requirement to pass.

What would EHJR 4204 do? EHJR 4204 would amend the Washington State Constitution and would provide that a simple majority of voters (50% + 1) could authorize local school district levies. The amendment also removes the 40% election validation requirement for levy elections. It does NOT apply to school bond elections. EHJR 4204 will be on the November 6 ballot.

What do school levies pay for? Local levies support school needs. Our levy pays for approximately 14 percent of the Districts operating budget. In Walla Walla, the M&O levy helps to support education programs and school operations such as:

" approximately 30 additional teachers

" approximately 50 additional non-certified staff

" school safety staff

" elementary music specialists

" health clinicians

" library-media specialists

" elementary physical education specialists

" school supplies

" building maintenance

" technology

" athletics

" transportation for school activities

What happens if school levies dont pass? Some school levies have failed because they do not meet the supermajority requirement. Levy failures can result in budget cuts, which require program cuts, staff and/or teacher layoffs, and other disruptions.

Elections cost money. If school districts need to run a subsequent election for the same levy, it will take money away from educational programs. It cost our district approximately $40,000 to run the most recent levy election.

Do all types of levies require a supermajority to pass? No, they do not. Regular tax levies do not require supermajority approval. Public hospital districts, metropolitan park districts, and other taxing jurisdictions can pass levies to operate hospitals, parks, and other facilities with a simple majority vote. School districts are held to the supermajority standard to pass a local levy.